The biggest sporting event of the year took place yesterday, which saw the Sixth form students take on the Staff team in a thrilling battle on the football pitch!
The students set out to retain the title which they have kept for 15 years, led by their Captain, Orrin. They put on a strong performance in the first half and it was clear that the students had a clear fitness advantage over the staff team. The staff team had several chances in the first half with a header by Mr Lewis which was saved by Lorcan, and a shot from Mr Darron which was denied by the crossbar 3 yards out (There must have been something wrong with the pitch!) It was the students who prevailed first with a shot slotted in from a corner kick by Harry, finishing the first half Staff 0 v 1 Students.
The second half saw several changes made and the staff team started to make it very difficult for the students to push forward. With the heroic efforts of Mr Clarke, Mr Corrin, Mr Miller, Mr Quilliam, Mr Keig and Mr Delaney, all putting in vital challenges to deny goal scoring opportunities. We also began to see Mr Klimach's athleticism, Mr Kenyon's close control and Mr Stokoe's technical abilities which allowed the staff to push forward.
The students made a change in the second half which saw Ethan enter the pitch and straight away assert dominance, but nothing for the strong staff defence to worry about! The staff team finally got a break with a quality set piece in from Mr Crilly which lead to a header past Lorcan by Mr Stokoe to level the match. Mr Stokoe continued to dominate with a second header which only just flew over the crossbar. Finally Stokoe pushed inside the 18 yard box and was horrendously taken down by Emily, leading to a penalty for the staff team. Mr Lewis stepped up blasted the ball through the hands of Lorcan to secure the victory. The first staff victory since 2009!
Man of the match goes to Mr Potts for his legendary acrobatic keeping efforts, denying multiple shots. Who would have thought he could move like that?! The event raised nearly £2000 for the Sixth form charity - a huge thank you all who supported this event, and to the Sports Prefects and Sixth Form team for the organisation.
Special thanks to Vannin Photos for the wonderful photos.